A multi-epoch Hα survey of the late-type spiral galaxy NGC 2403 has been completed in order to determine its nova rate. A total of nine nova candidates were discovered in 48 nights of observation with two different telescopes over the period from 2001 February to 2012 April. After making corrections for temporal coverage and spatial completeness, a nova rate of 2.0+0.5 – 0.3 yr–1 was determined. This rate corresponds to a luminosity-specific nova rate of 2.5 ± 0.7 novae per year per 1010 L ☉, K . This value is consistent with that of the similar Hubble-type galaxy, M33, and is typical of those of other galaxies with measured nova rates, which range from 1 to 3 novae per year per 1010 L ☉, K .
展开▼
